Sightseeing

The small city Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz is the birthplace of the first German in space, Sigmund Jähn. On the occasion of his space flight in 1978 the exhibition was inaugurated one year later. After 1990 it was converted into an all-German Space Travel Exhibition. Since 1992, the museum is run by a registered association. Besides the history of space travels and space research the museum also displays original space suits and research equipment. The exhibition is a must-see for every space-fan.

The city Schöneck is well known for its skiing region and attracts mainly in winter many tourists. In summer the region changes its appearance and becomes a paradise for bike-lovers. You will find 5 different downhill tracks as well as an exercise track for beginners. To make your trip more comfortable you can mount the hills by chairlift. Bikes and accessories can be rented.

What does the Vogtland have in common with the British Royal Family? Very simple: a topaz from the Schneckenstein is part of the Queen’s crown. Topaz is a mineral that reminds of precious stones and is called “Saxon Dimond” in the region. The topaz often is ground like a diamond and therefore is used in jewellery making. In the 18th century, topaz have been mined at the Schneckenstein. Two third of the rock have been removed. Since 1938, the Schneckenstein is declared a natural monument and is a popular lookout. After too many “hobby-mineralogists” and looter visited the rock and took away some pieces each, the rock has been fenced in. Today the rock is monitored and admission is only possible to certain times.

The summer toboggan run in Mühlleithen is great fun for everyone. You can slide 800m down the hill in a single bob or together with a friend. You will pass through 11 bends and one chicane. Due to your security the run is closed when it’s raining.

Among the 3200 instruments from all over the world you can find the world’s smallest violin, the world’s biggest playable tuba and the biggest accordion. Some of the instruments may even be tried by yourself. You will gain insight in 300 years of traditional musical instrument making in the Vogtland as well as the diversity of instruments from Africa, America and Asia. You should schedule about an hour for your visit.

The largest brick-built bridge in the world is situated between Reichenbach and Netzschkau. It is part of the railway from Leipzig to Hof. The bridge spans the valley of the Göltzsch river with 98 vaults in total divided over 4 levels.

Length: 574 metres
Height: 78 metres
Construction time: 1846 – 1851

The bridge was built by 1736 workers at the same time of whom 31 lost their lives during the construction. The bridge was built out of more than 26 million bricks and a volume of 17089 cubic metres of sand. The viaduct is for trains only and is prohibited for pedestrians but in its surroundings, you will find a lot of lookouts to take a look at it.

The Elstertal Viaduct is a little smaller than the Göltzschtal Viaduct and is known as the second largest brick built bridge in the world. It is situated in the valley of the Elster River at the confluence of the Trieb River in the Elster River between Jocketa and Röttis. It is also part of the railway from Leipzig to Hof.

Length: 279 metres
Height: 68 metres
Construction time: 1846 – 1851

More than 12 million bricks were used to build the bridge. Under the bridge another railway leads from Plauen to Gera. Compared to the Göltzschtal bridge it only consists of two levels of arches. The top of the lower arches carries a hiking trail.